title: A comparison of three formulations of TAC (tetracaine, adrenalin, cocaine) for anesthesia of minor lacerations in children.
abstract: A randomized, prospective, double-blind study comparing three formulations of the topical anesthetic solution TAC for laceration repair was undertaken in 250 children. The children's wounds were anesthetized with either TAC I (original formulation--0.5% tetracaine, 1:2000 Adrenalin, 11.8% cocaine), TAC II (1.0% tetracaine, 1:4000 Adrenalin, 7.0% cocaine), or TAC III (1.0% tetracaine, 1:4000 Adrenalin, 4.0% cocaine) prior to repair. The solutions were compared with respect to efficacy, acceptability, wound complications, and side effects. We found comparable efficacy of the three formulations, with similar efficacy to 1% lidocaine infiltration for facial and scalp wounds. Anesthesia for extremity wounds was adequate in only 39.9% of cases, regardless of TAC strength. Wound complications and side effects were within expected and acceptable limits. Our findings support use of TAC for face and scalp lacerations and a change to a less concentrated TAC preparation, such as our "TAC III," which is presumably safer for widespread use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pediatrics, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Barry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D013748:Tetracaine; C034627:TEC solution; D003042:Cocaine; D004837:Epinephrine